Flixotide Accuhaler

Flixotide is a preventer/controller inhaler usually prescribed to people with chronic asthma. Flixotide prevents sensitivity and inflammation in lungs and airways and makes you less susceptible to asthma symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. Flixotide is used every day regularly as per doctor’s instructions.

Flixotide asthma inhaler is prescribed to people who have to use reliever inhalers like Ventolin and Salbutamol more than twice a week.

Like almost every preventer inhaler, Flixotide also contains a corticosteroid as its active ingredient. The specific corticosteroid used in Flixotide is called Fluticasone propionate. 

Corticosteroids are a class of synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs. They closely resemble the steroid hormone cortisol which is naturally produced by adrenal glands, hence the name corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are sometimes simply called steroids but it should be noted that they differ from the anabolic steroids usually abused by athletes.

When you use your Flixotide inhaler, the molecules of Fluticasone propionate are absorbed by the cells of your airways and lungs. These molecules prevent the immune or allergic response of the cells of your respiratory system, which causes inflammation, and constriction of your airways.

When taken regularly Flixotide stops the release of chemicals that cause inflammatory responses in the cells of your lungs and airways and helps preventing asthma attacks and other breathing problems.

Major benefits of Flixotide include:

• Prevents wheezing and reduces lung inflammation
• Relieves asthma attacks and shortness of breath
• Prevents sensitivity and inflammation in lungs and airways

The most common dosage of Flixotide recommended by doctors is twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. But the dosage may differ from person to person. Make sure that you follow the instructions of your doctor regarding inhaler usage and the number of puffs required each time.

If you don’t use your inhaler correctly, it’s possible that you are not breathing the required dosage into your lungs. In that case, you should ask your doctor or your local pharmacist to demonstrate the correct technique of using your inhaler.

People using Flixotide should keep in mind:

• Flixotide is not used for acute asthma attacks but for routine long-term management of your breathing problems.
• The use of Flixotide should not be stopped abruptly.
• It is very important that you regularly use Flixotide inhaler even after your symptoms have improved to prevent future asthma attacks and other asthma related symptoms.

Types of Flixotide

Flixotide is available in two types of inhaler devices:

Flixotide Accuhaler

It is a pressurised metered-dose inhaler (MDI) also called aerosol inhaler. It delivers the medicine in the form of a fine spray or a mist.

When using the accuhaler make sure that you coordinate breathing in the medicine with pressing down the canister. If you find it difficult, you can use a volumatic spacer device. This device ensures that you inhale your required dosage completely. Spacer devices are highly recommended for children under the age 15. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Flixotide

The  is a breath-activated dry powder inhaler. It contains pre-loaded foil covered blisters, which are released when you place the device on your mouth and inhale.

It is easier to use as compared to the accuhaler. When you slide the lever, the dry powder blister opens and is ready for you to inhale. Before inhaling, ensure to breathe out completely then simply place your lips on the mouthpiece and breathe in deeply.

Side Effects

• Most people do not experience any side effects when using Flixotide because the active corticosteroid directly travels down the airways as required, so the amount absorbed by rest of the body is very insignificant.
• As the mouth comes in direct contact with the medicine, it is important that you keep your oral hygiene in check if you are using Flixotide, as inhalation of corticosteroids can be associated fungal infections of the mouth like oral thrush.

Other small risks may include:

• Sore tongue
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness of voice
• You can easily minimise the risk of mouth irritation and infection by rinsing your mouth with water or brushing your teeth after every use of Flixotide inhaler.
• You can also use a volumatic spacer to reduce the risk of oral thrush.

Precautions

It’s important that you take following precautionary steps when using Flixotide:

• Never use Flixotide or any preventer inhaler during an asthma attack as preventer inhalers are long acting bronchodilators and won’t relieve your asthma attack. Always carry your reliever inhaler like Salbutamol for quick relief in case of an asthma attack.
• Ensure you are not allergic or intolerant to any ingredient present in Flixotide.
• Always take your dose on a fixed time. If you forget to take your dose on time, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose, in which case you can just leave out the missed dose and take the next one when it’s due.

Flixotide is usually given to people suffering from:

• Asthma condition
• Shortness of breath
• Lung or airway inflammation